Do you need to bend sheet metal? A "Brake" is the right tool foor the job. Click image to see full size.

In this show we address a couple of listener questions about mower blades and metal brakes and then talk about another expensive DIY mistake.

First up is a question from David:

Do you guys have or know of any plans for a DIY metal brake? I need to cover the sills of my home windows, and would like to have a brake to bend the aluminum nicely myself.

Thanks, David

David, we are not familiar with any decent DIY brake plans. A brake is a specialized tool for bending metal. There is certainly no better tool for covering your sills with metal flashing. We recommend that you try and borrow one or rent this tool. A brake requires some practice but once you get the hang of it you can make some nice capping for your window sills and trim.

We also got this question from Vishal:

What tools do you need to loosen/tighten a lawn mower’s blade?

Short answer – a wrench. Is that really the question though? The Handyguys discuss how to keep the blade from spinning when you remove the bolt and how to apply a little more leverage if the bolt is stuck. Also why do we remove a mower blade anyway? Blades require sharpening, balancing and outright replacement from time to time.

We covered sharpening blades and other basic tuneup tips in Episode 14, give it a listen.

Expensive DIY Mistakes

The Handyguys discuss another expensive DIY mistake

Whats the mistake? Paying twice. Why would you pay twice? If you underestimate your abilities, do a job poorly, and need to pay a pro to come in and do it correctly. Perhaps the mistake is really not knowing your abilities. The handyguys discuss how to avoid this costly mistake.

For this and more, give a listen to the podcast.

Primer, PEX and CFLs

Costly Handyguy Mistakes: Primer. Use it or lose it.

Skipping primer or improperly prepping a surface for paint cant be a Costly DIY Mistake

The Handyguys continue their new segment this week called Costly DIY Mistakes. These are mistakes are ones we have personally seen or have been asked about by our listeners. This weeks mistake is not using primer when painting. The Handyguys discuss when you need to prime and when you don’t. Also discussed are stain blocking primers. A primer will help your finish paint job last longer.

The Handyguys then address a question about PEX piping

Our listener, Brian M., asks:

Thanks for recommending your podcasts to me on Twitter. I’m just beginning a new basement finishing project and I’ve been enjoying your basement finishing podcast series. Great stuff!

My question is about PEX tubing systems. I have to do some minor plumbing work as part of my project, including the relocation of one or two existing water supply lines that are currently in the way. I’ve been considering PEX systems as a replacement for some existing PVC supply lines because of its supposed flexibility and ease of installation. Are there any pitfalls or difficulties to watch out for when using PEX? To save on headroom, would it be acceptable to run the PEX tubing across joists in the ceiling utilizing knock-out holes in the joists? I only have to relocate one or two existing supply lines and build a handfull of new supply lines. Do you think my project is too small to invest in the specialized tools needed to install PEX?

Click on the image for a full size rendition of Sharkbite fittings

The Handyguys discuss the question.

What is the solution to costly PEX tools? Use SharkBite.  SharkBite® push-fit fittings are designed to simplify pipe installation. The fittings allow the user to connect pipe in seconds with relative ease.

In Handyguy Brian’s recent project he was able to use Sharkbite fittings to simplify the installation, eliminate the need for a torch install without a completely dry joint. Check out the Sharkbite Selection at The Handyguys Amazon Store and listen to the podcast for the details.

What are ya doing lately? Recent Handyguy Adventures

Click the image to see it full size and so you can see the base

Paul installed a new light fixture that included a CFL light bulb with a new kind of base. I guess the “Edison Base” isn’t good enough for those in the government. These new bulb bases will become more common. The base is called a GU24 base. It is a standard on new Energy Star rated light fixtures. The purpose is to prevent you from using a standard incandescent bulb in a new fixture. Oh, and the home centers and hardware stores are not always stocking these bulbs. As Paul found out, they sell the fixture and not the bulb. Argh.

The Handyguys have a solution. Get your GU24 base bulbs from The Handyguys store.
GU24 Bulb Selection at The Handyguys Amazon Store

Lastly – our listener made reference to us being on twitter. You can follow us by following @handyguys or clicking here

Costly DIY Mistakes and Listener Questions

First off – The Handyguys welcome listeners from RFC Radio and give them a brief background on The Handyguys.

Costly DIY Mistakes

Having to pump water from a finished basement is a costly mistake

This week we talk about the most costly mistake a DIYer can make when finishing a basement—not taking care of potential water issues before finishing your basement. Water can damage your belongings and your newly finished wall and flooring and can cause mold, rot and decay. The Handyguys provide some tips to ensure your basement will stay dry. Even if you are not finishing your basement, check out the podcast tips and keep your basement dry!

Ideally, water penetration is prevented from the outside of your foundation wall. The most common contributor of a damp or wet basement is improper grading around your house. If the ground around your house slopes toward your house then water will likely find its way into your basement. Fix the grading and you can prevent most water problems. Another common contributor to water in the basement are short downspouts that empty water to close to the foundation. You should extend your downspouts at least four feet to six feet from your house.

Listener Questions

Broken Window

The Handyguys then address a question left as a comment on our show about window repair.

Bonnie Writes:

Randomly exploding windows? What could be going on? Listen to the podcast for some discussion about the problem.

Hi, My husband and I have been searching the net looking for an answer. Our home has vinyl windows they are probably at least 15 yrs. old. So this year in the last 4 months they have started to literally explode. So far 4 of them. We were actually home when one went tonight, it sounded like an explosion, we thought someone threw a brick at our house. After looking around sure enough it had happened again. We can’t figure this out. They are double pane, argon gas filled. No real pattern, sometimes its the inside pane (1) and sometimes the outside pane (3). Can you by any chance tell us whats going on? I am going to call the insurance agent tomorrow but I don’t know if they will cover something like this. any ideas would be most appreciated.

Thank you Bonnie

The Handyguys address this very odd issue and give some suggestions for Bonnie. Listen to the podcast for details.

HE Furnace Vent

Another fan write us ad asked about critters getting into the vents for their new High Efficiency furnace.

Diane Wrote:

Just had a 95% high efficient furnace installed with the vent going out the side of my home (PVC pipe).

My concern is that a small animal could crawl into it?

Should it have some sort on grate on it? It is only @ 2 feet from the ground.

Thanks!

Diane – The way your vents are installed is normal. We do have some suggestions if critters become an issue or you are concerned. Listen to the podcast for details and discussion.

Dryer vent Discussions

The Handyguys wrap up the show with a brief discussion of dryer vent cleaning. This should be an additional item for our Spring Home Inspection Checklist that was discussed during show 57. Do you clean your dryer vents? Any tips you would like to share with other listeners? Leave a comment.